New Edinburgh deal for Cross

Edinburgh club captain Simon Cross has signed a new two-year contract with Andy Robinson's outfit.

The 27-year-old flanker admits he has found his natural home after extending his stay at the club he joined from Wasps in 2003.

Cross said: "I couldn't be happier. This will be my fourth contract at Edinburgh and I am one of the lucky rugby players who can actually say they have found home.

"It is easy to move around from place to place during a rugby career, but it is very rare that you get a chance to stay somewhere for so long.

"I count Edinburgh as my home and that is largely because of the nature of the club. It is a place that you really want to be at and commit yourself to.

"Everyone gets on at Edinburgh and a lot of that is because we socialise together. I've never been at a club before where the whole squad comes together for a coffee or to eat lunch outside of work, but that happens here.

"In all my time at Edinburgh with all the characters that have come and gone the one thing that has remained is the brilliant team spirit.

"I am incredibly proud to play for Edinburgh and it is special to be able to line up alongside players who are not just talented individuals, but also people you consider to be close friends."

Cross is aiming to celebrate his contract with a Celtic League win over Glasgow at Firhill on Friday in a match that doubles as a cup clash between the old rivals.

"It would be great if I could mark the occasion by helping Edinburgh win the 1872 Challenge Cup at Glasgow on Friday night," he said.

"We are a very proud group of players and we will be doing everything we can to bring the trophy back to Murrayfield."

"The game will be the same as it always is against Glasgow - they are a ferocious team and it will be very physical."

Glasgow need to beat Edinburgh by more than four points to claim the trophy following their defeat at Murrayfield earlier in the season.

After losing their Under-20s Six Nations crown to England Under-20s in a thrilling final round, France Under-20s lock Tristan Labouteley insists his side will be out for revenge at this year's Junior World Championship.